Hawks top Bullard in Game 3 to advance

MARSHALL, Texas—If there’s one thing that separates Pleasant Grove from the others, it’s how well it responds after things get tough.

After watching Bullard rally back in bottom of the final frame in Game 2 to avoid the sweep, the Hawks came out strong and got back to playing Pleasant Grove baseball to finish off the three-game series with a 6-2 victory Saturday night in the Class 4A area round at East Texas Baptist University.

With the Panthers’ stingy pitching staff keeping Pleasant Grove off-balance for most of the series, the Hawks had a weapon of their own on the mound for Game 3.

Tucker Anderson got the start on the hill and only allowed two hits, both of which were early in the game, while striking out two and walking four. After settling in after three innings, the freshman hurler retired the side three times and never put the Hawks defense in serious danger of big scoring opportunities.

“We brought (Tucker Anderson) up about half way through the season,” Pleasant Grove coach Riley Fincher said. “He had a real good start to the season and even started a few times during district play, and he came out tonight and showed what he’s capable of. He’s a really good looking kid, and I think he’s going to be something special the more he plays and the confidence he will get.”

Carson Cox started the scoring early for the Hawks in the first inning. After drawing a walk and stealing second, the Wichita State commit came home for the first run of the game on two grounders.

Bullard answered back in the second inning after Dakotah Walsworth smashed a lead-off double and was later brought in on a fielder’s choice. The

Panthers scored again in the third to take a 2-1 lead, but that’s all they would muster rest of the way.

In the fourth inning, Pleasant Grove would score all the runs it would need to seal the deal.

Ben Harmon, Braden Hlavinka and Matthew Gilley hit back-to-back-to-back singles to lead off the inning, Ryan Galvan drew a walk to score Harmon, Marshall Cox connected on an RBI-single, Carson Cox drew another walk to score a run and Keaton Russo capped off the five-run inning with a sacrifice fly to help the Hawks retake the lead, 6-2.

With the win, Pleasant Grove will play Canton in the regional quarterfinals, beginning on Friday. Game 1 is slated to begin at 7:30 p.m., and Game 2 will be Saturday at 1:30 p.m., with a Game 3 to follow if needed.